Meet The Playwrights of WinterFest: Tony Barone Has Hit The Jackpot

Anthony Barone

Although he’s written more than a dozen screen plays, a novel and several short stories, The Jackpot is Tony Barone’s first full length stage play. He retired from industry three years ago where he was a globe traveling logistics and customs expert, often spending long flights writing while other passengers slept. Most recently he’s been an adjunct at Rutgers University. Tony’s a graduate of Columbia University with a degree in English. He was born in the Bronx and raised in Chelsea just a few blocks from the Hudson Guild Theater. The characters in the play, though fictitious, are all based on people he has actually known. “What I tried to do in The Jackpot was depict the intense drama of people’s lives in a big city that’s oblivious to it all. I hope I’ve succeeded in that.”

In the The Jackpot, a former Vegas dancer (Rose) meets a washed up Elvis impersonator (Rocky) on the Brooklyn Bridge. They’re considering jumping, but go for Chinese food instead. A romance develops but when it becomes clear to Rocky that Rose sees him as loser, Rocky decides he must win a big TV talent contest. Crusty old Angelo provides comic relief and back story.

You can contact Tony at tonybaro48@gmail.com to learn more.

The Jackpot: Hudson Guild Theater, 441 West 26th St.  February 20th @ 6:15pm, February 24th @ 8:30pm and February 25th @ 1pm – Sun.